Obituary of Lucille F. O'Brien
Lucille F. O'Brien
(nee Riley)
Age 77, a longtime Morris, IL resident passed away early Saturday Morning November 21, 2020. She was born January 19, 1943, to the late Angela (nee Gabel) and Clarence (Pat) Riley in Morris, where she was raised, educated, and lived a wonderful life among a large extended family and many dear lifelong friends.
On June 2, 1962, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, she married J. Thomas O’Brien with whom she enjoyed 43 years of marriage until his passing on Memorial Day in 2005. Their beautiful union and welcoming home was filled with love, laughter, and numerous guests enjoying Lucille and Tom’s hospitality. Over the years, many fun filled functions occurred on West North Street.
Lucille is the beloved mother of Mary Beth (Tom) Gibbs and Tod J. O'Brien; proud and devoted grandmother of Olivia Gibbs and John Gibbs; dearest sister of Rosemary (Richard) Anderson. She will also be missed by numerous cousins and several generations of nieces and nephews. Including special friends Cynthia and James Thomas.
In addition to Tom, her husband, partner, and best friend, she is also preceded in death by her parents and her sisters – Kathryn Riley, Patricia Riley, Dorothea (Oliver) Haag, and Helen (Frank) Perucca.
In 1963, Lucille joined the family business of O’Brien Construction. Lucille and Tom were united in working diligently together to ensure the job was done right and on time, the customers’ expectations were exceeded, and that their co-workers/crews were treated fairly. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Trustee for Morris Township, past members of the Associated General Contractors and IL. Association of Women Contractors.
As a gourmet cook, Lucille truly enjoyed entertaining. She and Tom traveled extensively. And later, traveling and cruising with her girlfriends and family. Much of their family time was spent during the summer on their houseboat. And in retirement, seeing the sites in their motorhome. Lucille even learned to drive it. She loved to play cards – her beloved bridge clubs and Euchre groups. Or trips to Vegas and the boats. Her other interests included sewing, reading, decorating, her beloved Bichon dogs, and breakfasts with the girls from the MCHS Class of ’61. Though nothing brought her greater joy and pride than her grandchildren – “her sweethearts”, Olivia and John.
Due to current circumstances, Lucille’s visitation and funeral services will be held privately on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Interment will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund or Grundy Community Foundation. The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Please click on this link (https://youtu.be/OuTwXlYYnqs) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
For more information please call (815) 942-5040 to visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
